Hemp has long been a darling of the environmentally conscious consumer. What many people DON’T know is that hemp contains no significant amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and as such, it’s impossible to get high from it. Despite this reality (and hemp’s many redeeming features), hemp is still considered a Schedule 1 Narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act.
How archaic!
This year, the 8th annual Hemp History Week celebrates America’s rich history with industrial hemp BEFORE it was outlawed (the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp!), and educates consumers about the barriers to hemp farming in the United States.
More Facts About Hemp:
* Hemp seeds are an amazing source of sustainable protein (more protein than even chia or flax seeds…add to smoothies, or sprinkle on cereals, yogurt and salads), are anti-inflammatory, great for your skin (thank you, amino acids!), can balance hormones and even reduce pain. And hemp seed oil–the oil derived from pressed hemp seeds–contains the most heart-friendly essential fatty acids of any nut or seed oil.
* The cultivation of environmentally-friendly hemp yields more protein while requiring significantly less of each natural resource (land, water, fossil fuel) and producing fewer emissions than protein that comes from animal sources.
* Hemp crops pay. In Canada, hemp nets $200-$400 per acre, while just across the border, U.S. soy and corn typically net less than $160 an acre, according to the USDA.
* Millions of U.S. cars made by Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, and Tesla Motors are already being built with interior hemp-composite panels. If these companies could source U.S. grown hemp it would create long-term jobs in all sectors, strengthen regional economies, and maximize supply chain efficiencies. It’s a win-win-win!
At Rising Tide, we’re getting behind hemp all week by discounting hemp products from one of our favorite vendors: Nutiva. Check out the end cap all week and add some hemp into your life!
For more information about hemp and what you can do to help change Federal policy on hemp farming in the U.S., click here, and join Hemp History Week on Facebook.